Windshield Glass: Installation
All vehicles
- Dry-fit the windshield glass on the existing urethane bead on the pinch weld.
- Position the windshield glass on the pinch weld.
- Center the windshield glass in the opening.
- Adjust the windshield glass stop blocks (if equipped) as needed for best fit.
- Make alignment marks with tape or non-staining grease pencil (preferably at the glass stop blocks) on the windshield glass and the body.
- After the dry-fit alignment, remove the windshield glass and molding assembly from the windshield opening and place on a stable work surface with the interior side of the glass facing up.
- Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 in) base of original equipment urethane on the pinch weld.
- Using a clean shop towel, brush or oil-free compressed air, clean the pinch weld area around the existing urethane. Remove any foreign material or water that may have entered during windshield removal.
- If reinstalling the same windshield glass, remove the remaining urethane adhesive from the glass leaving a thin layer to bond with the new urethane bead.
- If installing a new windshield glass, clean the inside of the glass surface with glass cleaner.
- Make sure to thoroughly clean the surface of the blackened border area where the urethane adhesive will be applied.
- If installing a new windshield glass, apply urethane glass primer according to manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.
- Cut the applicator tip to specification. This will produce a triangular bead during application.
- Apply a bead of urethane adhesive to the pinch weld. Make sure that all gaps in the urethane adhesive are smoothed into one continuous bead, starting at the bottom of the windshield glass near the center.
- Using the alignment marks made previously, position the windshield glass on the pinch weld.
- After the urethane has cured, check the windshield glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
- Install the interior rear view mirror. For additional information, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS article.
- Install the cowl vent screen. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS article.
- Install the header trim panel and the LH and RH A-pillar trim panels. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
- Position the front portion of the headliner.
- Install the LH and RH sun visors.
- Install the overhead console.
- Install the LH and RH A-pillar trim panels. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
- Install and adjust the wiper blade and pivot arms as necessary. For additional information, refer to WIPERS AND WASHERS article.
WARNING:
Repair any corrosion found on the pinch weld. The pinch weld is a structural component of the vehicle. Corrosion left unrepaired may reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
NOTE:
Avoid scratching the pinch weld. For minor scratches or exposed metal on the pinch weld, see the manufacturer's recommendations.
NOTE:
Be sure to use the same brand and cure-rate products for the adhesive and primer. Do not mix different brands of urethane and primer. Refer to the Material Chart in this procedure.
NOTE:
Sika uses the same black primer for the glass and pinch weld area.
NOTE:
The windshield glass must be positioned within 10 minutes of applying the urethane adhesive.
NOTE:
Use either a high-ratio, electric or battery-operated caulk gun that applies the urethane adhesive with less effort and a continuous bead.
CAUTION:
Before positioning the windshield glass, open vehicle windows to prevent the air pressure of closing doors from affecting the adhesive bond.
WARNING:
Do not drive vehicle until the urethane adhesive seal has cured. Follow urethane adhesive manufacturer's curing directions. Inadequate or incorrect curing of the urethane adhesive seal will adversely affect glass retention. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
NOTE:
The urethane adhesive must cure for a minimum of one hour before testing for air or water leaks.
Convertible
Coupe
All vehicles